| we humbly beseech thee, thine especial blessing upon the | Presbyters and Lay-electors of the diocese of------[_or_ of | this diocese] about to assemble for the election of a Bishop; | and grant unto them in their deliberations the spirit of wisdom | and understanding, that by thee they may be guided to the choice | of a chief pastor who shall minister before thee to the glory | of thy holy Name, the good government of the flock committed to | him, and the welfare of thy whole Church; through Jesus Christ | our Lord. _Amen_. | | _During the vacancy of a Pastoral Charge_. | | O God, who knowest the needs of thy people in every place; Look | graciously at this time on this church and congregation; and | give to them a faithful pastor, who may serve before thee in | all diligence and lowliness of heart, and, by thy blessing, | bring many souls to the joys of thine eternal kingdom; through | Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | | _This prayer may also be used at meetings of Patrons during a_ | _vacancy_. | | _For those about to be confirmed_. | | O God, who through the teaching of thy Son Jesus Christ didst | prepare the disciples for the coming of the Comforter; Make | ready, we beseech thee, the hearts and minds of thy servants | who at this time are seeking the gifts of the Holy Ghost through | the laying on of hands, that, drawing near with penitent and | faithful hearts, they may be filled with the power of his divine | presence, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | | _For Festivals of Church Choirs_. | | O God, in whose Temple at Jerusalem were appointed singers and | those skilled in instruments of music to set forth thy praises; | Be present, we beseech thee, with us thy servants, and grant | that in this our service we may worship thee in spirit and in | truth, and at last be found meet to glorify thy Name in thy | Temple which is on high; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | | O Lord God Almighty, whose glory the Cherubim, and Seraphim, | and all the host of heaven, with ceaseless voice proclaim; We | beseech thee to look graciously from thy dwelling-place upon | us, thy humble servants, and in thy mercy vouchsafe to accept | our unworthy prayers and praises; for the sake of our only | Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_. | | _For Primary Schools_. | | O heavenly Father, whose blessed Son hath said, Suffer the | little children to come unto me; Prosper with thy blessing the | work of all who labour for the instruction and up-bringing of | the young in virtue and true godliness; grant that as the minds | of thy children are enlightened with knowledge, so their hearts | may be daily drawn to the love of thee and of thy only Son, our | Saviour. And this we beg for the sake of the same Jesus Christ | our Lord. _Amen_. | | _For Universities, Colleges, Schools, and other places of_ | _learning_. | | Almighty God, of whose only gift cometh wisdom and understanding;